As November begins, we welcome a month that invites us to reflect on the strength of our communities, the knowledge carried by our ancestors, and the responsibility we share in supporting the well-being of future generations.

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November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month in the United States, providing an opportunity to honor the diverse histories, cultures, languages, traditions, and contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples. It is also a time to recognize that Indigenous cultures are not simply part of our history. They are living, evolving, and thriving through our relatives, elders, youth, families, and communities today. 

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Indigenous Psychology: Continuing the Conversation Across Turtle Island

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Across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Indigenous mental health and wellness remain important areas of scholarship, advocacy, and community-led innovation.

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In the United States, an October 2026 article in Monitor on Psychology highlighted the importance of cultural humility when working with American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The discussion emphasized understanding historical and community contexts, avoiding assumptions about cultural practices, and adapting psychological care to the individual rather than expecting individuals to fit conventional Western models. These considerations remind us that effective care must recognize both the challenges our communities face and the strengths, relationships, and cultural resources that support thriving.

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In Canada, research published ahead of print in September 2026 examined racial microaggressions, cultural invisibility, and psychological distress among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit participants. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing how erasure of identity and lived experience can affect psychological well-being, while reinforcing the need for culturally responsive services and Indigenous-led solutions.

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In Mexico, a study published in October 2026 described an Indigenous-led, community-based mental health initiative involving Yaqui traditional authorities, local health workers, medicine practitioners, and psychotherapists. The work illustrates the importance of community ownership and collaboration between Indigenous knowledge systems and contemporary health services, while recognizing that each Nation must determine its own appropriate pathways to care.

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Together, these developments reinforce an important principle: Indigenous peoples must be recognized not only as recipients of psychological services, but also as knowledge holders, researchers, practitioners, and leaders shaping the future of mental health and wellness.

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For those of us in psychology, this means continuing to ask whose knowledge informs our research, whose experiences shape our assessment tools, whose voices guide treatment, and whether the services we provide honor the dignity and self-determination of the communities we serve.

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Honoring Our Relatives Who Have Served

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November also brings Veterans Day in the United States on November 11. We extend our respect and gratitude to all veterans and service members, with special recognition for our Indigenous relatives who have served in the armed forces across generations, such as U.S. Army Veterans Dr. Daniel Foster, Dr. Joseph Gone and Dr. Tammy Greer. 

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Our relatives have served while carrying the responsibilities, histories, and values of their families and Nations. Their experiences reflect many forms of courage, commitment, sacrifice, and service, often alongside the complexities of balancing military life with cultural identity, family responsibilities, and community connections.

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We honor those who have returned home, those who continue to serve, those who carry visible and invisible burdens from their service, and the families and communities who have supported them along the way. We also remember those who did not return and hold space for the relatives who continue to grieve their loss.

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Supporting veterans means more than expressing gratitude. It means helping ensure that they can access respectful, culturally responsive mental health care; meaningful community connections; and support that recognizes the full context of their lives. For Indigenous veterans, this may include opportunities to reconnect with cultural practices, language, elders, family, and community when these are meaningful to them.

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To our veteran relatives: Your service is part of your story, but it does not define the entirety of who you are. You deserve care, connection, respect, and the opportunity to thrive beyond your service. We honor your contributions and recognize the many ways you continue to strengthen your families and communities.

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**Important News for Psychology Students and Professionals**
 

On September 24, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) recommended that the U.S. Department of Education suspend the federal recognition of the APA Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) for 12 months. This is a recommendation, not a final decision. APA-CoA remains federally recognized while the Department of Education reviews the recommendation, and accreditation activities are continuing as scheduled.

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Because a final decision could have implications for psychology training programs, federal funding, and potentially licensure pathways in some states, we encourage students, trainees, educators, and psychologists to stay informed as this situation develops.

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Read the latest official update directly from APA-CoA.

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Holding Mental Health with Compassion

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If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress, crisis, or thoughts of self-harm, support is available:

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• United States: Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)

• Canada: Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (evenings)

• StrongHearts Native Helpline (U.S.): 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) — confidential, culturally-grounded support for Native and Indigenous peoples affected by violence

• If you are in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services
   

If you are outside these regions, we encourage reaching out to local Indigenous organizations, health centers, or community leaders for culturally relevant support.

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Psychology, Insurance, and Policy Updates for 2025–2026

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Updates: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY2025 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule on July 10, 2024. Find more info: https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/cms-federal-rule 
 

Medicare changes in 2025. The final rule on the 2025 Medicare physician fee schedule brings some good news for psychologists and aims to increase access to behavioral health services. https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/2025-medicare-changes
 

Extensions of Telehealth access options. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/telehealth-policy-updates.
But how are the Reservations embracing digital sovereignty? 
 

Digital mental health treatment: CMS expanded payment policies for digital mental health treatment devices under codes G0552, G0553, and G0554 for CY 2026.

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Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Final Rules (“Final Rules”) Are Released: Plans and Issuers Must Prepare for January 1, 2025 Effective Date (US). Find more info: https://www.triagehealthlawblog.com/hhs/mental-health-parity-and-addiction-equity-act-final-rules-final-rules-are-released-plans-and-issuers-must-prepare-for-january-1-2025-effective-date-us/ .Mental Health Parity: The 2024 Mental Health Parity final rule had staggered applicability dates beginning in 2025 and 2026, but federal agencies later announced a pause in enforcement of certain new provisions while they reconsider the rule.